Chaos erupts in Tory party as chairman faces deselection revolt

Tory chairman Richard Holden is facing demands to be removed as the candidate for Billericay and Basildon due to chaos in the party's election campaign. Members want a special meeting to deselect him. This distraction comes as the party is far behind in the polls. Mr. Holden was initially rejected by the association executive but was later forced to be accepted. In another area, Portsmouth South, there may be two candidates as the local association refuses to endorse the party's nominee. The move to remove Mr. Holden seems late as his papers have already been submitted to be the party's candidate. This decision has caused frustration among members. Rishi Sunak faced embarrassment after party chiefs had to ensure Mr. Holden had a seat to fight by putting him as the only candidate for Basildon and Billericay. This move was made to avoid humiliation for Mr. Sunak. Mr. Holden had faced resistance in other areas as well. The Basildon and Billericay seat became vacant due to the retirement of MP John Baron. The Conservative Party did not comment on the selections.